Heavy luggage can make any trip more difficult. Airlines have strict weight restrictions which if violated can result in hefty penalties. If you are traveling by car or train, heavy bags can be hard to lift and maneuver. Cruise passengers have the least trouble with heavy bags as porters carry them from dockside to cabin, but with limited space in many staterooms, heavy bags can be cumbersome. Choosing a light suitcase matters, but knowing how to pack is the most important factor in lightening your luggage.

Select one bag for your trip. Keeping luggage light requires limiting what you take. Choose a bag that suits your needs based on size and shape, and consider its weight and mobility. Many major luggage manufacturers have ultra-light lines.

Spread all the items you plan to pack on your bed or floor. Exchange heavy items for lighter substitutes: trade heavy hiking shoes for lighter running shoes, dress pants for linen, leather belts for cloth, and sweaters for fleece. The difference in the material makeup of what you pack can reduce the overall weight of your luggage significantly.

Eliminate redundancies in your packing list. Choose one navy sport coat which can be dressed up for evenings and daytime meetings. Bring loafers rather than lace-ups to wear with both formal and casual outfits. Ladies may consider packing shirts which can be dressed down for daytime wear and dressed up with a necklace or other lightweight accessory for more formal occasions.

Toiletries are often the heaviest items in a suitcase. Shampoos and lotions, shaving cream and skin treatments are all heavy but are often available in travel sizes. Instead of packing all your favorites, pack small amounts in sealed travel containers and expect to purchase more if needed while traveling.

Pack only the basics when it comes to electronics and creature comforts, and find entertainment from local sources. Forget the neck pillow and roll up a T-shirt to lean on instead. Paperbacks can add weight to luggage so try an e-book reader. Trade in your bulky laptop for a compact netbook and make sure any electronics you bring are battery operated. Replacement batteries can be purchased anywhere, while chargers and converters must be carried with you.

If you pack a variety of colors you may not be able to mix and match as much as you would like. Pack uniform colors so many outfits can be created from a limited amount of clothing.

Expect to do laundry on trips lasting two weeks or more. Knowing you can reuse clothing can greatly reduce the amount you bring.

Don't over-pack your bags. You will inevitably pick up items and necessities along the way and will need somewhere to fit them.